Theories of Development

As I have mentioned before, adolescence is a tricky stage in life. The brain is developing, and so is the individual. These kids are constantly swarmed with new stresses and responsibilities and are just trying to hold on. It is essential for them to have understanding and helpful teachers especially during this period of their lives. Through last week's instruction about theories of development, I learned a little more about how I would like to be as a future educator.

First and foremost, I would want my classroom to follow the educational theory of progressivism. John Dewey created this theory of teaching, believing that students needed to learn more through experimentation. Dewey encouraged having a student-centered classroom and promoting active engagement. Active engagement allows students to be more in charge of their learning. They get to choose topics that they are more interested in and passionate about. This makes them more likely to try in class, and really take interest in what they're learning about. Thus, they are more engaged. This makes the learning environment more student-centered, because it's the learner's needs coming before the instructor's.

I want to incorporate this theory of teaching into my classroom in the future because I want my classroom to be one where kids are excited to learn. I am becoming a teacher not because I want to lecture, but because I want to help kids grow and realize what their real passions are. For example, in a Spanish classroom, I can have kids participate in active engagement through project-based learning. They could make skits, presentations, or songs about something they are interested in in Spanish. I'm sure that some kids would rather present about the importance of soccer in Brazil than ancient history once in awhile. Activities like this would also get the kids using Spanish in a more real context.

For more on Progressivism: https://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP3.html

The other theory I really connected with was Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The diagram below shows 5 stages of need that every human being needs met.

In education, this chart is important to keep in mind, because as a teacher, you need to accommodate students at whatever level they are at. While some kids may have reached the top of this pyramid, others may not even have the basics down at the bottom. For example, if you're working in a poverty stricken area, a lot of your kids may not be eating breakfast before school. If they are coming in without something in their stomachs, they will not be able to concentrate during class. Therefore, if you're in an area like this, it may be a good idea to bring snacks for your kids. It's all about meeting them where they're at so they can have the best education possible.

A video on Maslow's Hierarchy in the classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7wZGyaGuHg